Entering his 19th season in the NBA, there is uncertainty surrounding Kobe Bryant after two consecutive season-ending injuries. Despite averaging 15.3 points and 4.3 assists in four preseason games for the Los Angeles Lakers so far, Bryant was ranked the 40th best player by ESPN #NBARank.
— Have You Seen These LIMITED EDITION “Mamba Strikes Back” T-Shirts? —
With 11 days before the start of the 2014-15 NBA regular season, LeBron James said he talked to Bryant just before the start of training camp to welcome him back via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin:
LeBron said he talked to Kobe just before training camp: "Just to say, ‘It’s great to have him back.’"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 17, 2014
LeBron on Mamba: "I love Kobe. I love his competitive nature. I love competing against him"
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 17, 2014
In addition, James also talked about Bryant heading into his 19th season in the NBA at age 36:
LeBron on a 36-year-old Kobe going into season No. 19 of his career: pic.twitter.com/JwjjrXNVqE
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) October 17, 2014
Despite the media trying to create a rivalry over the years, there is mutual respect between Kobe and LeBron who both came to the NBA straight out of high school. Although they will likely never meet in the NBA Finals, there will continue to be battles in the regular season.
Heading into the new season, there are low expectations for the Lakers. While the Lakers are not expected to make the playoffs, Kobe is going to continue to play with his championship effort every night and hopefully his teammates will follow.
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